Chapter Five
Spite was never a great motivator in the long run. Becca knew this, yet she still forced a smile. “Hey…Mitch.” Saying his first name felt weird. Intimate. Wrong.
He gave her a relieved smile. “There you are, Becca.”
When she drew within reach, he put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her to him. Ignoring her racing heart, she wrapped her arm around his waist and pinched him where Linda wouldn’t see. Damned if she could get anything but a thin layer of skin between her fingers, though. The man felt like solid muscle.
Oh boy.There went her pulse again.
Linda stared at them, confused.
Becca cleared her throat. “Hi, Linda. I was just helping Mitch find a few things for dinner tomorrow.” Inspiration struck. “Nora and I are welcoming him to town.”
Yes, adding Nora is a stroke of genius. Then it shows Mitch and I are friendly but not direct competition since my sister will be there too.And Nora said she couldn’t think on her feet.
Linda’s expression cooled, but it didn’t turn venomous. A good thing. Mitch might not realize it, but Becca knew how influential Linda Madison was in this town. Despite having divorced her super rich husband—Becca’s landlord—Linda maintained plenty of connections with important people.
Becca knew better than to stir things. She should leave Mitch and Linda well enough alone. Yet somehow, she’d taken leave of her senses.
“Nice to see you again, Linda. Come on, Mitch, we have to—”
“How nice,” Linda said, obviously not meaning a word. “I’d asked Flash to join me for dinner, but he said he couldn’t.” She paused. “That it wouldn’t seem right for him to be alone with one of the mothers of his players.”
The number of bean shoppers continued to grow, people taking root in the aisle as they watched the show.
Mitch smiled, and Becca noted the effect that grin had on the ladies around them. She’d swear half of them were salivating over the man.
“Well, now, Linda,” Mitch drawled. “Maybe if you weren’t so attractive, that wouldn’t be an issue.”
Linda blushed. “Oh.”
Wait.She’stoo attractive to draw attention, but I’m not?
He continued, “Becca’s been a real sweetheart helping me settle in.” He leaned closer and said in a low voice, “But to be honest, my brother’s got a crush on her cousin, so the ladies are helping me out with a ‘welcome dinner,’ if you get my drift.”
Wouldn’t Nora be thrilled to hear that. Then again, knowing Nora, she might be.
Linda’s eyes widened. “Oh. Well. Enjoy your dinner. And let me know when we cantalk, Flash.” Emphasis on the word told Becca, and everyone else, that talk was the last thing on Linda’s mind concerning Mitch.
Linda walked away. In a loud voice, Mitch announced, “Man, is there a sale on beans or what?”
The crowd scattered.
Becca fought the urge to laugh hysterically. She hadn’t been involved in anything so dramatic since her middle school play.
Mitch leaned closer. “You okay? You look weird.”
She laughed. “Oh my God. Your life is crazy.” She got herself together and whispered, “Do you have women hitting on you like that all the time?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He sighed. “It’s uncomfortable.”
“I’ll bet.”
“I don’t want to be mean, but some of them can’t take a hint. Lucky you showed up, or I’d have said something rude.” He frowned. “You know, that ‘I’ll bet’ sounded less than sincere.”
“Well, it’s got to be flattering to have women after you, I’d think.” Honestly, she had a difficult time putting words together with him so close. Whatever cologne he wore had a subtlety that mingled with the man underneath. It was all she could do not to lean in and sniff him. Then lick him.
Oh my God. What is wrong with me?
